Page 30 of Special Agent Anastacia

Meanwhile, a frantic text from Pat that Dave had collapsed arrived, and they rushed back to the mountain. Nash drove like a bat out of hell, being careful that he didn’t take any chances, but still got them there quickly.

Rather than watching the road, Ana worked her phone, getting as much information as she could from Lew’s nurse, plus updates on the case from Pat who was still freaking out over Dave. Nash’s voice cut into her concentration. “You know the old saying… it never rains, it pours?”

“Not sure it goes quite like that, but I know which one you’re referring to, and you’re right. Poor Dave. He’s not used to handling this kind of an extreme case. I guess the pressure got to be too much for him. Pat says he’s better now but resting.”

“What happened to him?”

“He’s just saying a breakdown, but I’m thinking, old guy like him, it could be his heart.”

“Dammit, the stress is getting to all of us. You’ve got me believing that a ghost is behind the hijacking of the girls. Next you’ll be saying he’s the killer in town too.”

Ana slapped her phone against her knee. “Hemustbe. There can’t be two murdering whackos running around a normally safe place like our mountain. I ah—” She started another sentence and then stopped.

“Okay. What’s that look about?”

“I’m trying to tell myself I’m not crazy. But I’m thinking we need to find out more about the link of the Smirnova family who used to own property here with the young girl Hanna’s protecting.

“I don’t think you’re crazy.” Nash reached for her hand and gripped it tight before she could pull back. Weird as it seemed, she didn’t want to stop the familiarity. Instead, she squeezed tighter and listened to his warm voice, while feeling less alone. “You’re a freaking genius, Ana, my love. You figure Hanna’s with the same girl Nan told us about in the bar, don’t you? The sad girl in the video. The one who’s brother mistreated her on the street.”

“It’s a possibility… right?”

“More than a possibility.”

“From the beginning, when Nan mentioned her name and the connection with Lew, this association has been brewing in my head. We have nothing else to go on until we hear back from the FBI on those plates. I say we check up on Dave and then go to the local land office and search old records for the Smirnova place.”

“I’m your guy. Glad we have some direction now.”

“Oh, no. I meant it would be something I could do. After we visit Dave, you have to get back to your mother. If you drop me in town, I can rent a car.”

Nash pulled in front of the jail, shut down the motor, and turned to Ana. Before she could see his intentions, he put both his hands on her cheeks to imprison her from twisting away.

His determined expression revealed a special light in his gaze that made her heart beat faster. He kissed her hard and then said ever so gently, the steel in his tone undeniable, “Baby, you ain’t getting rid of me… so stick that in your pretty little bonnet. I’m a thorn in your side until I know you’re safe.”

She shoved his hands away, grumbling, using her hardest agent tone. “Bullshit. I’m a cop, remember? With a badge. And a gun… a big one.”

“Don’t care.” When she saw the gleam in his narrowed gaze, and the stiffness throughout his body, she knew there’d be no talking to the stubborn ox of a man.

“Fine. Have it your way, but don’t say I didn’t offer.” Opening the door, she slid out. By the time he’d come around to her side, she’d reached the sidewalk. Once he stood behind her, she spit words to reveal her annoyance. “Pretty little bonnet!? Give me a break.”

“I know… right? Just stating my case.”

“I don’t like it.”

“Don’t have to. Didn’t want to piss you off.”

“Well you failed…. dumb bastard.”

Through the window, she saw the smile on his handsome face and sighed.

Chapter Twenty-two

Not only was Dave in his office waiting for them, the man was furious. And Nash picked up on the reason first. “Okay. Okay. Calm down my friend. Pat’s just trying to look out for you.”

“Yeah, well the stupid son of a bitch didn’t need to be telling tales on his boss that could get him fired.” Dave glared toward the open door that led to the other side of the jail. Of course, he knew Pat could hear his words and had shouted them on purpose.

In the distance, they all heard Pat’s reply. “Bite me and take your medicine.”

Ana’s arched look spoke volumes as she repeated, “Medicine?”

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